Nottingham Forest 0-1 Chelsea: Report, result and goals as Blues secure Champions League

Chelsea secured their return to the Champions League with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.

Levi Colwill’s second-half strike was the difference in the match, capping off a good first campaign for Enzo Maresca.

Forest had the first real chance of the game when Ola Aina’s cross found Chris Wood in the box, but the striker failed to keep his effort down.

Chelsea responded through Pedro Neto, whose lively running created a good chance for Cole Palmer, only for the forward to fire over from close range.

The first half was largely a story of missed opportunities and nervy defending. Both sides showed flashes of quality, Madueke’s runs caused problems, while Forest looked dangerous on the counter.

However, neither goalkeeper was truly tested in the opening 45 minutes, and the half-time whistle was blown at 0-0.

After the break, Chelsea came out with more purpose. Just five minutes into the second half, Pedro Neto’s low cross evaded everyone in the box and found Levi Colwill arriving at the back post.

Monumental.#CFC | #NFOCHE pic.twitter.com/6TWoxUnoel

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) May 25, 2025

The defender made no mistake, calmly slotting home to give Chelsea the crucial lead.

Forest, needing a win to have any chance of Champions League football themselves, pushed forward with a bit more urgency after going behind.

Elanga’s long-range effort was comfortably held by Robert Sanchez, and Aina blazed over from a corner in a moment that summed up the hosts’ frustration.

As the game approached its final minutes, Chelsea’s supporters found their voice, sensing the finish line in sight.

Substitutes Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Malo Gusto added fresh legs as the visitors looked to protect their slender lead.

Forest’s best chance to salvage a result came deep into stoppage time, when a long ball from Mats Sels found Wood in the box. However, the striker’s volley sailed over the crossbar, all but ending Forest’s hopes of a dramatic equaliser.

The final whistle was met with jubilant scenes from the Chelsea players and staff, who knew that the victory secured their place back in Europe’s top competition next season.

For Nottingham Forest, it was a frustrating end to a promising campaign, although they can still take pride in achieving their highest Premier League finish since 1995 and a place in the Conference League.

Premier League final day results, table

Here’s the full list of Premier League results from the final day of the season.

Bournemouth 2-0 Leicester
Fulham 0-2 Man City
Ipswich 1-3 West Ham
Liverpool 1-1 Palace
Man United 2-0 Villa
Newcastle 0-1 Everton
Forest 0-1 Chelsea
Southampton 1-2 Arsenal
Spurs 1-4 Brighton
Wolves 1-1 Brentford